What is virginity?

Virginity, a concept steeped in centuries of cultural, religious, and social history, continues to hold significant relevance in contemporary society. Traditionally viewed as a state of physical and moral purity, often tied to notions of honor and dignity, virginity's definition and the importance placed upon it have evolved considerably in the modern context.

Concept Evolution

In today's society, the perception of virginity has undergone significant change. No longer confined to a strictly physical or moral definition, it is understood within a broader spectrum encompassing sexual health, consent, personal autonomy, and mutual respect. This shift reflects greater openness and sexual education, as well as a focus on individual rights and gender equity.

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Historical and Cultural Significance

Historically, virginity has been a concept laden with cultural, social, and religious implications. In many cultures, maintaining virginity until marriage was deemed essential to uphold family honor and purity. This traditional view, while still prevalent in some societies, has been questioned and reformed in many respects.

Impact on Health and Sexual Education

The modern focus on comprehensive sexual education has contributed to a more nuanced understanding of virginity. Education about sexual and reproductive health promotes a more inclusive and respectful view, emphasizing the importance of consent, safety, and emotional well-being. This approach has helped demystify many taboos and stereotypes associated with virginity, allowing individuals to make more informed and respectful decisions about their bodies and sexuality.

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Virginity and Personal Identity

Virginity in the modern era also relates to the exploration of personal identity and autonomy. The decision to maintain or not maintain virginity, and on what terms, has become more of a personal choice than a socially imposed expectation. This reflects a shift towards respecting the diversity of individual experiences and preferences.

Contemporary Challenges and Perspectives

Despite advancements, the concept of virginity still faces challenges in terms of gender stereotypes and inequalities. The persistence of certain expectations and biases underscores the need for continued promotion of more inclusive and respectful sexual education, addressing these issues holistically and empathetically.

Historical Perspective of Virginity

The concept of virginity has been a pivotal element in human history, carrying profound cultural, religious, and social connotations. Tracing its journey from ancient civilizations to contemporary society reveals a complex evolution, shaped by diverse beliefs and practices. This exploration offers insight into how our understanding of virginity has transformed, mirroring changes in societal values and attitudes.

Ancient Times: A Cultural Cornerstone

In ancient civilizations, virginity held significant cultural and religious importance. In many societies, it was intertwined with myths, rituals, and laws, often symbolizing purity, virtue, and a connection to the divine. For instance, in Ancient Greece and Rome, vestal virgins were revered for their chastity, considered crucial for maintaining the favor of the gods. Similarly, in many Eastern cultures, virginity was a prized attribute, closely tied to family honor and social status.

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Middle Ages: Virginity and Morality

During the Middle Ages, the concept of virginity was heavily influenced by the Christian Church. It was idealized as a symbol of spiritual purity and moral superiority. The cult of virginity, epitomized by figures such as the Virgin Mary, elevated chastity to a divine virtue. This period saw a sharp contrast between the veneration of virginity and the harsh treatment of those who deviated from these ideals, reflecting the deep moral and social implications of the concept.

Renaissance to Enlightenment: Questioning and Reformation

The Renaissance and Enlightenment periods brought about a gradual shift in attitudes towards virginity. The rise of humanism, scientific inquiry, and individualism led to a questioning of traditional values and norms. While virginity remained an important social concept, it began to be viewed more as a personal matter rather than a public virtue. This era set the stage for the more nuanced understanding of virginity that would develop in later centuries.

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Modern Era: A Diverse Spectrum of Meanings

In the modern era, the meaning of virginity has diversified significantly. The advent of feminism, sexual revolution, and greater emphasis on individual rights have transformed how virginity is perceived and valued. It is no longer universally seen as a symbol of purity or moral righteousness but is understood within a broader context of sexual health, autonomy, and personal choice. This era has witnessed a deconstruction of traditional views on virginity, leading to a more inclusive and varied understanding of the concept.

III. Biological Aspects of Virginity

The biological and medical understanding of virginity is complex and interwoven with social and cultural contexts. Virginity, historically associated with purity and worth, lacks a standardized medical definition. There's no biological imperative or evolutionary advantage to virginity, suggesting its significance is more cultural than biological​​.

Medical Understanding of Virginity

Diverse understandings exist regarding what constitutes the loss of virginity. Traditionally, it is seen as lost through vaginal penetration by the penis. However, perceptions vary, with some including oral, anal, and manual sex in their definitions, especially in non-heterosexual contexts​​.

Debates also surround whether virginity can be lost through non-consensual sex, like rape. Some studies indicate that virginity loss is often viewed in the context of consent, thus challenging the notion that it can be lost through rape​​.

Debunking Myths About Physical Signs of Virginity

Virginity in Various Cultures

Global Diversity in Attitudes towards Virginity

Virginity, a concept deeply rooted in cultural beliefs, varies significantly across the globe. In Scandinavian countries, attitudes towards premarital sex are generally more tolerant compared to the United States. For instance, studies have shown a high acceptance of premarital sex among Swedish students compared to their American counterparts​​. This liberal stance contrasts with the views in non-Western societies like China, Iran, and India, where chastity is highly valued in potential mates​​.

Western Cultural Variations

Even within Western cultures, there's a wide range of beliefs about premarital sex. In a survey across 24 countries, 89% of Swedes were accepting of premarital sex, whereas only 42% of Irish respondents shared this view. Attitudes towards sex before the age of 16 also varied greatly, with 93% of Filipinos considering it wrong, in contrast to 75% of Russians​​.

Sweden's Liberal Approach to Sexuality

Sweden stands out as one of the most liberal countries regarding sexual attitudes. Swedish media has minimal regulations on sexual images, and comprehensive sex education is a compulsory part of the school curriculum, beginning around age six. This approach has led to some of the world's lowest rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases​​.

Contrasting Societies: Inis Beag and Mangaia

The spectrum of attitudes towards virginity and sexuality can be seen in the contrasting examples of Inis Beag and Mangaia. Inis Beag, an island off the coast of Ireland, is known for its sexual repression. Nudity is abhorred, premarital sex is virtually unknown, and sex education is non-existent. Adult couples maintain a significant level of modesty even during sexual activity, and there are many cultural beliefs surrounding menstruation and menopause​​. In stark contrast, Mangaia, an island in the South Pacific, views sex as both pleasurable and procreative, with extensive sexual instruction provided to young individuals. Mangaian culture encourages sexual experiences before marriage, emphasizing sexual fulfillment and partner satisfaction​​.

The Impact of Religion on Views of Virginity

Virginity in Christianity

In Christianity, virginity and sexual purity are deeply valued. The Apostle Paul's teachings emphasize that premarital sex is immoral and equates it with adultery. Complete abstinence from sexual acts outside of marriage is considered ideal, and sexual relations are deemed healthy and acceptable only within the bounds of marriage​​.

Virginity in Islam

In Islam, unlawful sexual intercourse, known as Zina, is considered a significant sin and a forbidden act. Virginity in the Quran reflects the piousness of one's character. The punishment for engaging in Zina is severe, with implications for both personal honor and family reputation. In some Muslim societies, women's virginity is often scrutinized, sometimes even through state-enforced clinical procedures​​.

Virginity in Judaism

Judaism presents a more tolerant view of premarital sex compared to Christianity and Islam. The Old Testament does not require a female to be a virgin at the time of her marriage, and children born to unmarried women are not considered illegitimate. Sex within a marital relationship is seen as more virtuous, and Jewish law includes provisions to protect female virgins​​.

Virginity in Hinduism

Hindu culture places significant emphasis on a woman's premarital virginity. The purity of women, often equated with innocence, plays a crucial role in character definition. Many Hindu wedding ceremonies include the ritual of Kanyadan, the "gift of a virgin," which holds great spiritual importance. Despite Hindu scripture being more open towards sexuality, the culture tends to set boundaries regarding premarital sex​​.

Virginity in Sikhism

In Sikhism, sex is appropriate only between married couples. Premarital sex is discouraged, attributed to lust and over-indulgence. Sikh teachings view sex as sacred, meant for family creation, and consider sexual acts before marriage and outside marriage as sinful. Virginity is a crucial aspect in Sikhism, reflecting both family honor and self-respect​​.

V. Virginity and Gender

The perception of virginity has historically been influenced by gender, with different cultural, social, and religious expectations placed on men and women. This disparity is evident from historical perspectives and continues to manifest in various forms today.

Historical Perspective

In the 19th century, Christianity viewed virginity as a supreme state of spiritual purity for both men and women. However, female virginity, in particular, drew more attention. This focus was partly due to the limited understanding of fertilization and contraception methods at the time, which led to an emphasis on female virginity to ensure the purity of lineage.

Anatomical-clinical medicine of the era further entrenched this bias by asserting the existence of the hymen as a supposed proof of female virginity. Consequently, there was a double standard where female virginity was protected and valued, while the loss of male virginity before marriage was often encouraged as a sign of virility. This situation persisted well into the 20th century in Europe, reflecting deep-rooted gender biases regarding virginity​​.

Gender Bias and Double Standards

The historical focus on female virginity and its social implications created a landscape where gender biases flourished. This prestige was partly driven by the revived devotion to the Virgin Mary and female religiosity during the 19th century. Young women, across various social backgrounds, who chose perpetual virginity by joining religious orders, found freedom from paternal and conjugal supervision.

In the Catholic bourgeoisie, virginity was considered social capital necessary for a good marriage, leading to a gender-specific educational approach. In historically Protestant countries, where education allowed more spontaneity in relations between girls and boys, the situation differed slightly, as laws allowed women who had been seduced to pursue proceedings against their seducer and obtain compensation. These variations highlight the significant role that cultural and religious contexts played in shaping the gendered perceptions of virginity​​.

Contemporary Impact

The sexual revolutions of the 1960s and 1970s significantly impacted the importance ascribed to virginity. The emancipation of women, along with the affirmation of gender equality and the availability of contraception, altered traditional representations and practices related to virginity.

The association between deflowering and marriage weakened, and the average age for first sexual encounters decreased. However, despite these changes, virginity remains a personal issue in constructing gender identities. In recent times, the importance of female virginity has resurfaced in some European Muslim populations, with practices like hymenoplasty indicating the ongoing relevance of virginity in certain cultural contexts​​.

Gender Bias and Double Standards

The persistence of gender bias and double standards concerning virginity has deep historical roots, with cultural transmission playing a significant role. Research from Washington University in St. Louis using dental records from over 10,000 individuals across Europe revealed that areas with historical male-favoring attitudes exhibit more pro-male bias today than regions with more egalitarian gender relations in the past.

These biases have outlasted major socioeconomic and political changes, suggesting that gender attitudes are handed down across generations. The study highlights the challenges in altering deep-rooted sexist beliefs and the necessity of addressing cultural forces alongside institutional policies to foster genuine gender equality​​.

Psychological Aspects of Virginity

The Complex Emotional Landscape of Losing Virginity

Losing one's virginity, often considered a significant milestone in sexual and relationship development, can evoke a range of emotions and psychological changes. It marks a transition to adulthood and involves both risks and rewards. Research indicates that after losing their virginity, individuals often experience increased feelings of romantic appeal and sexual satisfaction. This change can also bring about positive shifts in mental health, as seen in decreased levels of depression and anxiety and reduced substance use​​. However, the psychological impact varies greatly based on the age at which virginity is lost. An "early" sexual debut, particularly before the age of 15, is associated with risks such as greater substance use and lower self-worth, whereas a "normative" or "late" debut tends to decrease these risks and increase rewards​​.

The Potential for Depression Post Virginity Loss

Not everyone experiences positive psychological outcomes after losing their virginity. Some individuals may encounter depression-like symptoms, particularly if the experience was not under ideal circumstances, such as feeling unprepared or pressured. This reaction is more common among younger individuals, around 15 years of age, who are still developing their sense of self-esteem and self-confidence. The nature of the bond with the partner also plays a significant role; weaker emotional connections can lead to feelings of depression post virginity loss. Additionally, societal stigma, especially towards girls who lose their virginity outside of marriage or a relationship, can contribute to feelings of guilt and negatively impact mental health​​.

Emotional Stages Following Virginity Loss

The process of losing virginity can trigger various emotional stages, starting with an initial sense of bliss and satisfaction. This may be followed by a phase of denial or disbelief due to the significant change in one's sexual status. Over time, individuals often adjust to this new aspect of their identity, exploring their sexuality further and learning about their preferences and communication in sexual relationships​​.

Physical Changes and Hormonal Effects

Physiologically, losing virginity can lead to changes in the body, such as increased vaginal flexibility and nipple sensitivity due to heightened blood flow during arousal. Hormonal changes, including a rush of endorphins, oxytocin, and dopamine, typically enhance happiness and facilitate bonding with the sexual partner​​.

The Broader Concept of Virginity Loss

It's important to recognize that the concept of virginity loss extends beyond the first experience of penetrative sex. It encompasses a broader range of new sexual experiences. If the initial experience is not positive, it's essential to understand that sexual experiences can improve over time. Individuals who regret their first sexual experience should seek to understand the underlying reasons, potentially consider periods of celibacy, and learn from the experience to better navigate future sexual relationships​​.

The Psychological Impact of Prolonged Virginity

Remaining a virgin into adulthood can have varied psychological and social effects, depending on the individual. Common concerns for those who maintain their virginity for an extended period include feeling like an outsider, worrying about being undesirable, experiencing social stigma, and missing out on physical and emotional intimacy. These concerns can lead to anxiety, depression, loneliness, frustration, anger, and low self-esteem​​​​.

Contributing Factors to Prolonged Virginity

Several factors can contribute to an individual remaining a virgin into adulthood, including limited social connections, prioritizing other life goals, anxiety, low self-esteem, concerns about physical appearance, sexual orientation, trauma, religious or cultural beliefs, and health issues​​.

Coping Strategies for Older Virgins

For older virgins, constructive coping strategies include accepting that the right time for sex varies for each person, practicing patience, focusing on overall well-being, seeking therapy for related issues, developing social skills, exploring online dating and social groups, letting go of societal stigmas, and maintaining a positive outlook. When entering a romantic relationship, communicating openly about virginity status, seeking understanding and patience from partners, and focusing on mutual learning and exploration can foster healthier dynamics​​.

Virginity in the Modern World

Historical and Cultural Perspectives

The concept of virginity has evolved significantly from ancient times to the modern era. In many ancient civilizations, virginity was associated with a woman's independence and strength, with virgins being considered "free women," not subject to the will of a man​​. Greek goddesses like Athena and Artemis were celebrated as virgins, representing wisdom, courage, and justice, or protection and aid in childbirth, respectively​​​​. Roman society revered Vestal Virgins as crucial citizens, with rights surpassing those of regular female citizens​​.

In contrast, the Bible presents one of the most significant virginity myths in Western civilization, revolving around the Virgin Mary's divinely ordained pregnancy. This story, deeply rooted in religious beliefs, has had a considerable impact on the cultural and social perspectives on virginity​​. However, early societies also valued virginity for practical reasons, like ensuring inheritance and lineage​​.

Modern Perceptions and Challenges

Today, virginity still holds importance in various societies and religions, though its perception has changed over time. In modern Western culture, the value of virginity before marriage is viewed differently, with some advocating that sex before marriage can contribute to a healthy sexual identity​​. The Catholic Church remains a staunch advocate of virginity, associating higher community status with it​​. Similarly, Hindu and Islamic cultures place a high value on virginity before marriage, with strict prohibitions on premarital and extramarital sex​​​​.

Modern challenges regarding virginity include the problematic treatment of women in societies where virginity is highly prized. Honor killings, unfortunately, still occur in some parts of the world, with the United Nations reporting that such practices claim the lives of thousands of women annually​​. Moreover, in the West, virginity myths continue to influence pop culture, often leading to negative outcomes like victim blaming and disbelief in cases of sexual assault​​.

Shift Towards Individual Choice

Despite these challenges, there is a growing movement towards defining virginity on individual terms. Many argue that the concept of virginity should be a personal choice, aligned with one's own morals and values​​. This perspective is increasingly accepted, advocating for sexual agency and the right to define one's own sexual experiences. The idea is that by allowing individuals to control their perception of virginity, they gain authority over their bodies and choices​​​​.

The conventional definition of virginity often excludes non-heterosexual experiences, failing to acknowledge the diversity of sexual experiences​​. Furthermore, people's views on virginity can be complex and varied, especially in cases of sexual assault, where the loss of virginity may not be equated with the first sexual encounter​​.

Virginity and Relationships

Virginity is a cultural and social concept that often relates to a person's sexual experience or lack thereof. It typically refers to someone who has not engaged in sexual intercourse, although the definition can vary depending on cultural, religious, and individual perspectives. It's important to note that virginity is a social construct and not a medical or biological state.

In the context of relationships, virginity can play a role in various ways:

1. Personal beliefs and values: Some individuals may place a high value on virginity for religious or cultural reasons. They may choose to abstain from sexual activity until marriage or until they are in a committed and loving relationship.
2. Communication: Open and honest communication about sexual experiences, expectations, and boundaries is crucial in any relationship. Whether one or both partners are virgins, discussing their feelings, desires, and comfort levels with sexual activity is important to ensure a healthy and consensual sexual relationship.
3. Peer pressure and societal expectations: Society often places pressure on individuals to conform to certain sexual norms, including losing their virginity at a particular age. It's essential for people to make decisions about their sexual activity based on their own feelings and values rather than external pressures.
4. Relationship dynamics: Virginity can sometimes impact the dynamics of a romantic relationship. Partners may need to navigate differences in experience, expectations, and comfort levels. It's important for both partners to be understanding, patient, and respectful of each other's choices and boundaries.
5. Consent and respect: Regardless of whether someone is a virgin or not, consent and respect are fundamental in any sexual relationship. Both partners must willingly and enthusiastically agree to engage in sexual activity, and boundaries should always be respected.

It's essential to remember that everyone's journey regarding their sexual experiences is personal and unique. Some individuals may choose to wait until marriage, while others may decide to engage in sexual activity at an earlier stage in their relationships. What matters most is that individuals make informed decisions that align with their values, beliefs, and desires and that they engage in healthy, consensual, and respectful relationships.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Virginity and the Media

Media, including films, TV shows, literature, and other forms of entertainment, have a significant influence on public perception of various topics, including virginity. Here's how media representation can shape perceptions and attitudes regarding virginity:

1. Portrayal of Virginity: Media often depict virginity in different ways, ranging from idealized and romanticized to stigmatized and shamed. These portrayals can reinforce stereotypes and expectations about what it means to be a virgin or to have sexual experiences.
2. Gender Stereotypes: Media can perpetuate gender stereotypes related to virginity. For example, female virginity may be portrayed as a prized possession or a symbol of purity, while male virginity may be ridiculed or seen as a mark of inadequacy. These stereotypes can contribute to unequal expectations and pressures on individuals of different genders.
3. Normalization of Sexual Activity: In contrast to the above point, media can also normalize sexual activity by portraying characters who engage in sexual relationships. This can create an expectation that sexual experiences are a regular part of romantic relationships, potentially putting pressure on individuals to conform to this norm.
4. Consequences of Virginity Loss: Media sometimes depict the consequences of losing one's virginity, such as unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, or emotional consequences. These portrayals can influence how the public views the potential risks and responsibilities associated with sexual activity.
5. Virginity as a Plot Device: Virginity is often used as a plot device in various forms of media. Characters may be on a quest to lose their virginity or preserve it for various reasons. Such storylines can reinforce the idea that one's sexual history is a central element of their identity.
6. Representation of Diverse Perspectives: Media can contribute to a more nuanced understanding of virginity by portraying diverse perspectives and experiences. When media present a range of narratives and viewpoints, it can challenge stereotypes and offer a more realistic depiction of the complexities surrounding virginity.
7. Impact on Body Image and Self-Esteem: Media can influence body image and self-esteem, which can, in turn, affect how individuals perceive their own virginity and how others perceive them. Unrealistic portrayals of beauty standards and sexual desirability in media can contribute to body image issues.
8. Educational Opportunities: Media also have the potential to educate the public about sexual health, consent, and healthy relationships. When media incorporate accurate and responsible information on these topics, it can contribute positively to public awareness and understanding.

It's important to recognize that media representation is not monolithic and can vary widely across different genres, cultures, and time periods. Media producers have a responsibility to consider the potential impact of their portrayals on society and to promote responsible and ethical representations of virginity and sexuality.

Consumers of media can also play a role in shaping perceptions by critically evaluating the media they consume and engaging in discussions about the messages being conveyed. Promoting media literacy and advocating for more diverse and inclusive representations can help ensure a more balanced and informed public perception of virginity and related issues.

 

Health Aspects of Virginity

Sexual health and education are critical aspects of overall well-being, and they are closely related to discussions about virginity and safe sex practices. Here's why sexual health and education are essential, along with the importance of safe sex practices:

Prevention of STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections):

• Sexual activity, whether before or after virginity loss, can lead to the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Proper education about STIs, their transmission, and prevention methods is crucial for individuals to protect themselves and their partners.

Pregnancy Prevention:

• Sexual activity can result in pregnancy, and individuals need to be informed about contraception options and family planning to make responsible choices regarding reproduction.

Consent and Boundaries:

• Sexual education emphasizes the importance of consent and healthy boundaries in sexual relationships. Understanding and respecting each other's boundaries is fundamental to ensuring that sexual experiences are safe and consensual.

Safe Sex Practices:

• Safe sex practices, such as the use of condoms and dental dams, help reduce the risk of STIs and unintended pregnancies. Education on how to correctly use these methods is essential.

Emotional Well-being:

• Sexual education should also address emotional aspects of sexuality, including communication, intimacy, and emotional well-being. Understanding the emotional and psychological components of sexual relationships can contribute to healthier and more fulfilling experiences.

Reproductive Health:

• Education about reproductive health includes information about menstruation, fertility, sexual anatomy, and sexual health care. This knowledge is essential for individuals to make informed decisions about their bodies.

Inclusivity and Diversity:

• Sexual education should be inclusive and address the diverse needs and identities of individuals, including LGBTQ+ individuals. It should be free from discrimination and provide information that is relevant to all.

Awareness of Consent and Boundaries:

• Teaching about consent and boundaries is critical to ensuring that sexual encounters are respectful and consensual. Understanding the importance of enthusiastic and ongoing consent is key to preventing sexual misconduct.

Reducing Stigma and Shame:

• Open and comprehensive sexual education can help reduce the stigma and shame often associated with discussions about sex and virginity. Reducing stigma can lead to more open and honest conversations about sexual health.

Access to Healthcare:

• Education about accessing sexual healthcare services, including STI testing, contraception, and reproductive health care, is essential. Individuals should know where to seek help and support if needed.

The Latin word virginĭtas came to Spanish as virginity . The concept refers to the virgin condition : that which preserves purity or the person who has not yet had sexual intercourse .
The most common use refers to the individual who has not made a sexual debut . The scope of the notion, however, varies according to culture and time. Virginity is generally linked to not having developed intercourse (copulation, which includes penetration).
This means that men and women who have never copulated are virgins: they keep their virginity. If we focus on this definition, having had other types of sexual ties (such as oral sex ) does not imply the loss of virginity.
Maintaining virginity is a decision of each person, usually linked to religious and moral issues. Christianity, for example, stipulates that virginity must be preserved until marriage . This precept, however, has lost its validity since many Christians, regardless of their beliefs, do not get married to virgins.
In general, and especially outside the religious realm, virginity becomes a "problem" that people need to solve as soon as possible, once they have reached puberty . This seems to particularly affect heterosexual men, as not having sex with girls may mean that you are not virile enough, or that you are unsure of your sexual orientation, and the more closed portion of society does not view these issues with good humor. eyes.
For an ordinary heterosexual teenager, losing his virginity is one of his priorities, if not the most important; It goes without saying that this does not happen with geniuses or with those beings who feel the call of a vocation from an early age and who dedicate themselves to developing their skills while their environment worries about trivial issues . Seen from adulthood, this "urgency" does not usually have positive consequences, since in more than one case it leads to unwanted pregnancies, but the brain of a 15-year-old boy cannot always process all this information simultaneously.
As machismo makes clear distinctions between the way in which men and women should relate to their sexuality, it is normal that girls who lose their virginity during adolescence are criticized negatively , their decency is questioned . In other words, boys are often admired for having had sex for the first time, while girls are condemned.
One of the most absurd aspects of this obsession with losing virginity is that a large part of adult heterosexual couples end up losing sexual interest or mutual attraction, for which they stop having regular relationships or seek satisfaction from third parties.
No matter how wonderful we find sex during puberty, the passage of time demystifies it and shows us that it is one more function of our body , something that we can all do, and not a unique ability. Ultimately, something that can disappear from one second to the next should not be strong enough to define our lives.
The religious virginity is central to the tradition of Christianity. Those who decide to become priests or nuns must refrain from having sexual relations (vow of chastity ) and from having a partner (vow of celibacy ).
A clear example of the importance of virginity in Christian dogma is that the Virgin Mary became pregnant by the work and grace of the Holy Spirit , and not by having had sexual relations with her husband, Joseph . In this way, Mary was able to give birth to Jesus without losing her virginity.